Thoughts and Reflections

Let Us Encourage One Another

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.18Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Therefore encourage one another. What is it that would encourage us dear readers? When we’re trying to lose weight or put it on – doesn’t it encourage us when people notice and say something? When we are trying to change our shape – exercising more or watching what we eat – it is nice when people notice. Try to notice others and not be so narcissistic – focused on self so much.

Therefore encourage one another. What is it that would encourage us dear readers? How about the time we spend hours – maybe even days – working on our yard or in the house cleaning or creating something? Doesn’t it encourage us when someone notices and says something? When we labor over a meal and no one notices – that surely isn’t encouraging. We should think about what others do around us and give them words of encouragement as often as possible.

Therefore encourage one another. What is it that would encourage us dear readers? Have you ever noticed the Orioles’ dugout when a player does something to help the team – like when they make a great defensive play – or hit a homer – or a sacrifice fly – or even simply advance the runner? They greet the teammate with cheers and high fives (or whatever some of them do). They shower them with sunflower seeds and generally make it known that they appreciate them.

Therefore encourage one another. What is it that would encourage us dear readers? We had a deep discussion Tuesday morning in our Bible Study. We were talking about when life is tough – we things don’t go our way – when it seems like we are facing difficult times. In the midst of this discussion we tried to encourage one another with our faith and with our love for one another. We talked about God being there for us – even when things don’t go well. We talked about building our relationship with God during good times.

Here’s today’s passage in partial context. These words were shared during a tough time for the early Christians – many were being killed by their ISSIS – their evil – because of their faith. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 – 13Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Therefore encourage one another. What is it that would encourage us dear readers? Where are we struggling today? Where are those around us struggling? What would encourage us? What would encourage others? Let us think about such things and encourage one another. Let us also take encouragement from our with Jesus. It is that relationship that will last past the highs and lows of our lives.